Summer reading should be fun. These reading lists have been prepared by the librarians in the Santa Monica-Malibu USD in collaboration with the Santa Monica Public Library. The lists provide a selection of good books that kids enjoy. Not every good book is included, but the lists have something for every reader. Reading levels are suggestions only as every student learns to read at his or her own speed. While some books are perfect to read aloud, kids can read many of the books, especially books in a series, by themselves. Most authors included on these lists have written more than one good book, and many, such as Lois Lowry, Walter Dean Myers, Sid Fleischman, and Madeleine L’Engle, write for all ages. Some titles are also available as audio books so families can enjoy a good book together.

For extra summer fun, visit your local public library for reading programs, many of which offer activities and prizes.   Santa Monica Public Library’s theme for 2008 is “Catch the Reading Bug!”  Have a wonderful summer vacation, and read, read, read!

Humor

Elliot, David. Evangeline Mudd (series) - Evangeline and Dr. Aphrodite Pikkaflee are called upon to rescue her scientist parents and save the jungle.

Fitzgerald, John D. The Great Brain (series) - In turn-of-the-century Utah, Tom uses his "great brain" to come up with a series of money-making schemes.

Gliori, Debi. Pure Dead… (series) – The Strega-Borgia family lives in a Scottish castle with unusual pets and visits from the Mafia and witches.

Gutman, Dan. My Weird School (series) - Really wacky school stories about reluctant learner A. J. and his friends!

Horvath, Polly. The Pepins and their Problems - The Pepin family's  problems include a cow who makes lemonade and a competitive neighbor.

Maguire, Gregory.  Six Haunted Hairdos (series) – Two rival clubs, the all-boy Copycats and the all-girl Tattletales, keep trying to out-do each other.

Science Fiction/Fantasy

Byng, Georgia. Molly Moon (series) - Molly Moon discovers a hidden talent for hypnotism and hypnotizes her way out of her dreary orphanage from one adventure to another.

Christopher, John.  When the Tripods Came – Laurie and his family attempt to flee when the Tripods descend and begin brainwashing everyone.

Coville, Bruce. Magic Shop (series) - Elives' magic shop is a place where boys hatch dragons, toads talk, rats deliver messages, and skulls spout Shakespeare.

Fox, Helen. Eager - The Bell family, looking to replace their malfunctioning robot, buys Eager, who is programmed to learn through trial and error like humans.

Funke, Cornelia. Inkheart - One night, Meggie's father reads aloud from a book called "Inkheart," and an evil ruler escapes the boundaries of fiction and lands in their living room.

Ibbotson, Eva. The Secret of Platform 13 - Odge Gribble accompanies a wizard, a fey, and an ogre on a mission through a magical tunnel to rescue their King and Queen's son.

Jacques, Brian. Redwall  (series)- When the evil rat Cluny shatters the peaceful life of ancient Redwall Abbey, Matthias, a young mouse, sets out to find a legendary sword.

L'Engle, Madeleine. A Wrinkle in Time (series) - Meg Murry and her friends become involved with unearthly strangers in the search for Meg's father, who disappeared while engaged in secret work for the government.